SKUAST-K conducts 41st Standing Evaluation Committee meeting

Srinagar, Dec 28: The 41st Annual Standing Evaluation Committee meeting was held on December 27 under the Chairmanship of Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K for discussing the performance of new fungicides, insecticides and HMOs evaluated by the University and also finalisation of Integrated Disease and Pest Management Schedule for apple orchards for the year 2025.

The meeting was attended by Director Research, Associate Director Research, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Director Horticulture, representatives from Directorate of Agriculture and Directorate of Enforcement Heads of various Divisions and Programme Coordinators of different KVKs of the University and Chief Horticulture officers of the Department of Horticulture.

The Vice-Chancellor while discussing the action taken report asked the scientists to generate data about the various diseases and pests affecting "our orchards and come up with real-time advisories."

He also suggested that the sprays for control of pests need to be target oriented rather than spraying in an unregulated manner in the whole orchard. During the course of discussion officers from the department of Horticulture provided insights about the status of various diseases and pests throughout the valley during the last year and expressed satisfaction with the advisories provided by the University for the control of diseases. The Vice Chancellor stressed on the importance of biocontrol measures for control of various insects and pests and their incorporation in an integrated management schedule for apple orchards.

He complimented the Department of Horticulture and SKUAST-K scientists for working in a synergetic manner and achieving desired results in the control of various pests in orchards.

Director Research Prof Haroon R Naik also provided an insight into the Standing Evaluation Committee meeting and instructed the concerned Divisions and Departments to come-up with the desired information for completion of Integrated Management schedule for apple orchards so that the same is completed within stipulated time.